Review: Andrea Bocelli enthralls a rapt St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa

One of the world's foremost operatic pop talents took the stage at Tampa's St. Pete Times Forum on Sunday: Andrea Bocelli, who chose Tampa for one of his few North American tour stops this year.

Sean Daly was in the house for a night of classics that included well-known songs like Ave Maria and Amazing Grace. He writes:

When the 53-year-old opera star was first led to the stage at the St. Pete Times Forum on Sunday — his perfect posture and impeccable scruff looking resplendent in front of a 71-piece orchestra and 60-person choir — there was nothing common about him.

The blind heartthrob was otherworldly in delivery, diving into the meat of Verdi's I Lombardi alla prima crociata with fluid ease, yet passionate thrust, all while standing stock-still.

It's not often you can hear a crowd's collective breath being taken away. But it happened, again and again, at the venue, which was near-capacity with 14,033 fans of vocal kaboom, many of whom arrived bedecked in tuxes and evening gowns.

For Sean's full review of Andrea Bocelli at the St. Pete Times Forum, click here.